Hometown

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 30, 2007

Reaching Out

Marlene Siegel, local veterinarian and owner of Pasco Veterinary Medical Center, 4574 Pet Lane, Lutz, recently hosted a Toys for Tots luncheon and gift presentation at her office. Arranged by Bob Loring, coordinator of the Toys for Tots distribution in central and east Pasco, the event treated 25 children from Rodney B. Cox Elementary School, Dade City, to a morning of experiences in the field of animal science and then wrapped up with a picnic lunch provided by the local Publix Supermarket and gifts handed out by four Marine Corps members.

Monica Russ, parent coordinator at Cox Elementary, explained that children in attendance were selected based on the personal knowledge of each child. The children have been studying animal science and the experiences at the veterinary clinic complimented what they had learned in class.

Siegel welcomed the students and adults who accompanied them with a presentation about Squeezer, a 4-year-old ball python. She explained how the snake lives and different aspects of his body. Perched high on a ledge nearby taking in the presentation was Famish, a large black and white cat who often came off his perch and mingled with the children.

Following the getting acquainted time with Squeezer, Siegel divided the students into four groups and they were off to one of four stations - horses, x-rays, surgical and small instruments for scanning.

Keeping pace with the students and helping them rotate through the stations were Marine Corps members, Capt. Seth Lynn; Lance Cpl. Cedric Wilson; Cpl. Steven Jacobs and Sgt. Sadi Workman.

Also taking part in the presentations and talking with the students were Loring and State Rep. Will Weatherford.

"It's one thing to read about something like this but it's another for these students to see what is really here," said Weatherford as he took in the X-ray presentation by Siegel.

"Who knows what these children will get an idea for later in life. We may have a future vet or a future military person right here," said Weatherford as he turned and gave Loring a warm hug and thanked him for his work with Toys for Tots.

The rotations to different stations came to an end and the students regrouped outside on the walk. They enjoyed sub sandwiches and other treats from Publix. While they ate, Loring talked to them about the military personnel present and explained the rank and job of each one. The students were surprised and pleased to know that Lance Cpl. Wilson had attended Cox Elementary as a child.

Then it was time for gifts, handed out by the Marine Corps members. Each child sat patiently holding a gift until the last was handed out and a countdown was offered. Wrapping paper ripped quickly and was followed by squeals of delight as the students looked at the special gift they received.

With thanks and final goodbyes, the students were on their way back to school. Loring expressed once more that watching the children's faces as they opened their gifts makes him realize what Christmas is like for children and how important Toys for Tots is for children who might otherwise have a slim Christmas.

* * *

Following the successful debut event in 2006, AGRItunity 2008, the annual conference and trade show designed to meet the needs of farmers large and small, is scheduled for Jan. 26 at the West Central Florida Agricultural Center near Bushnell.

This year's theme is "Growing for Profit" and the planning committee is looking forward to a large and successful conference and trade show.

The educational program starts with a general session focusing on successful operations observed by Florida Extension Agents while on a Study Tour of Georgia, North and South Carolina. Well-known grower and researcher Nancy Roe will discuss how research, extension and industry can get involved in the expansion of local marketing opportunities in Florida. Breakout sessions in livestock, crops and marketing will delve into important topics for producers. A trade show featuring products and farm equipment for the small and large Florida farm will be a highlight of the program.

Registration for attendees is available at http://sumter.ifas.ufl.edu, and more than 4,000 direct mailings to farm families in the west central Florida region are being sent. For further information or for being placed on the contact list for registration materials, as well as companies or other groups interested in being a sponsor or exhibitor should contact Gary K. England at gke@ifas.ufl.edu or Susan Kelly at sakelly@ifas.ufl.edu write to AGRItunity 2008, 7620 State Road 471, Suite 2, Bushnell, FL 33513, or call 352 793-2728.

We need your news!

[Last modified December 29, 2007, 20:48:03]